The curtain has fallen on the longest Boi Mela ever, with a total of 6 million patrons having visited the fair,, and a total of 3751 new books being published at the fair. Book sales amounted to an estimated Tk 60 crore. Data collected from the Bangla Academy about new book publications show that the number of new book publications decreased remarkably after the Covid-19 pandemic, and even though they rose this year from last year, they are still not back to pre-Covid levels. In 2019, a total of 4834 new books were published from the stage of the book fair. In 2020 the number of new book publications saw an increase to 4919. In 2021’s book fair, the first after the pandemic, the number of new book publications decreased to 2640. However, after 2021, the number of new book publications started seeing gradual but very low increment. In 2022, the number of new books climbed to 3416 from 2640, and 2023’s book fair book witnessed a total of 3730 new books being unveiled. This year, slightly increasing, the number of new book publication hit the number 3751. Books worth Tk47 crore sold in Amar Ekushey Book Fair in 27 days Collected data shows that 144 new books, related to Bangabandhu, were published in 2020’s book fair. In 2021, Bangabandhu related books decreased nearly twice than 2020’s fair hitting the publication number 51 and after the year in 2022, 77 books related to Bangabandhu were unveiled from the book unveiling stage. In 2023 the number again decreased and marked the number 35 and this year only 27 Bangabandhu related books were published from the book unveiling stage of Amar Ekushey Book fair. For poem category books, in 2020, 1585 new books were unveiled from the book unveiling stage which decreased to 898 in 2021. After 2021, the number of poem related book publication climbed to 1060. Then in 2023 it climbed to 1257 and this year it again went down to 1192. Aside from this, the number of new research work publications from the book fair also seem to have decreased over the last five years.In 2020, a total of 112 research related books were published from the book fair ground. In 2021, the number fall to 47. However, in 2022 the number of new research publications was 102. But research-based book publication number again fall to 75 and remain the same since 2023. For liberation war category books, in 2020, a total of 152 new books were published from the book unveiling stage. In 2021 the number of new published book of this category was 84. In 2022, the number of liberation war related books was 102. After that the number of new books of this category remained the same hitting the number 75. Curtain falls on Amar Ekushey Book Fair 2023 On the same way, the differences of the numbers of new book publication among other categories like story books, Novels, health related books, translated books, drama, science category books were observed from the found data which indicate that covid-19 pandemic effected Amar Ekushey book publication negatively.

As the Ekushey Boi Mela (Book Fair) 2024 crossed its seventh day yesterday, publishers and book sellers are hopeful for increased sales and public engagement, despite not yet reaching their anticipated sales targets. The Dhaka Metro Rail has infused the fair with a new vibrancy, making it more accessible for visitors from distant areas like Uttara, Mirpur, and Motijheel. Ovi Islam, from Farmgate, shared his positive experience of using the metro rail to bypass traffic jams, despite the initial long wait for tickets. Go for digital book publication to globally promote Bengali literature:PM Hasina tells publishers at Ekushey Book Fair Although some visitors, like Ovi who visited the fair three times without purchasing books, contribute to the growing foot traffic, the overall sales have yet to see a significant boost. Another group of visitors from Uttara noted the ease of accessing the fair this year, thanks to the metro rail, which has offered a way to avoid the infamous Dhaka traffic congestion. Book sellers expressed mixed feelings about the fair's progress. While visitor numbers are on the rise, actual book purchases remain lower than expected. Nur Hossen Sarkar from Anupam Prokashoni observed that many attendees are more interested in browsing than buying. Similarly, Mohammad Jabed from Mowla Brothers noted a slight decrease in sales compared to the initial days but remains hopeful for an uptick in activity. PM opens Ekushey book fair Some exhibitors have faced challenges with their stall placements, leading to visibility and accessibility issues. Sumon Saj from Nongor Publication voiced concerns about being allocated a less favorable location and has reported the issue to Bangla Academy without seeing significant action. Some publishers also expressed dissatisfaction about the overall arrangement and environment. These issues suggest that while the metro rail has made the fair more accessible, improvements are still needed in its organization and visitor experience. With the fair still underway, publishers and sellers are optimistic about a surge in sales and visitor numbers, especially with the upcoming weekend. Tracing the Roots of Ekushey Boi Mela

In anticipation of the Amar Ekushey Grantha Mela (book fair) 2024, the Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) has announced extensive security measures to tackle potential sabotage acts and militant threats. The security plan, detailed by DMP Commissioner Habibur Rahman, aims to ensure a safe environment for the attendees of Bangladesh’s largest book fair, set to open on February 1. Commissioner Rahman, after inspecting the security protocols, stated, “We have put in place a robust security framework to enable visitors to explore and enjoy the fair without any apprehension.” These remarks were made during his visit to the book fair’s location in Dhaka’s Suhrawardy Udyan on Wednesday. Books worth Tk47 crore sold in Amar Ekushey Book Fair in 27 days Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina is slated to inaugurate the month-long cultural event at 3 pm on February 1. In a first for the fair, attendees can now enter and exit through five designated gates at Suhrawardy Udyan, including a special entrance via the Engineering Institute. Each entry point will be equipped with archways and metal detectors to enhance safety. The DMP Commissioner outlined the comprehensive security measures, including the establishment of internal and external security perimeters and continuous surveillance by undercover detectives. Additionally, numerous watch towers have been erected to oversee and prevent any unforeseen incidents. Further bolstering the security, the entire fair area is under continuous CCTV monitoring, connected to a dedicated control room. The DMP has arranged various patrolling units, including foot, street, and cyber patrols, around the fair vicinity. The presence of the dog squad, SWAT team, and bomb disposal unit will provide an immediate response capability. Kid’s zone of Ekushey Book Fair abuzz with little book lovers  In addition to these security provisions, the DMP has taken measures to cater to the comfort and well-being of the visitors. These include a lost and found center for missing children, a nursing center for mothers, blood donation facilities, and access to pure drinking water throughout the fair premises. The security plan was detailed in the presence of senior DMP officials, emphasizing the significance and scale of the protective measures for this cultural cornerstone event. Read more: Tracing the Roots of Ekushey Boi Mela

The Amar Ekushey Book Fair, or Boi Mela, is almost here. Bangla Academy, the traditional guardian of the month-long book fair, which takes the form of a literature festival, has already allotted stalls and pavilions to the publishers. Visiting the fairgrounds in Suhrawardy Uddyan and Bangla Academy’s sprawling premises in recent days, UNB observed that the publishers have been working diligently to prepare their stalls and pavilions since receiving their allotment on January 23. The publishers were seen instructing their workers and carpenters to build the stalls according to their preferred design - some simple and traditional, others quite extravagant. While talking to UNB at the fair premises, the publishers expressed their hope to see even bigger crowds than previous ones due to the Metro Rail opening in the city. They mentioned the two metro stations located near the fairgrounds (Shahbagh and TSC stations), which will allow people from distant locations in the city to attend the fair easily and smoothly. Ahmed Munir, the proprietor of Uchhas Publications, is confident this year's fair will be more crowded than ever, and the number of readers and visitors will increase. Many people will come from different parts of the country even, because the overall communication system is much better now. So, readers will be able to come to the fair very easily and in less time than before. Curtain falls on Amar Ekushey Book Fair 2023

Amar Ekushey Book Fair 2023 has doubled the festive mood and joy among the students and the people who came to celebrate Pahela Falgun or Valentine's Day or both at the Dhaka University campus area on Tuesday. Since the morning students, people from different professions and irrespective of colour, creed or religion started gathering in the Dhaka University area wearing colourful Panjabi and Shari as the area has traditionally been a venue for Pahela Falgun and Valentine's Day celebration, while Boi Mela takes place at nearby Bangla Academy every year.  Besides the huge arrangements of Bosonto Utsab Udzapon committee at the Bakultola of Fine Arts faculty of Dhaka University, several programs have been arranged in Dhaka University area like ‘Somogit Bosonto Utsob' at the historical BotTola of Dhaka, three-day cultural festival at the department of political science and Sangit Utsab at the faculty of Business Studies of Dhaka University to welcome Spring, the king of all season.  Marking the special day, various floating stalls of flowers and food almost everywhere in the campus area have been set to meet the demands of visitors. Lower markets are busy stocking red roses for the day. Abid, an eleven-year-old boy who is selling flowers and floral bands walking around busy areas of campus, said that he came in this area from Mouchak of the capital in the morning to sell flowers hoping for better profit.  “My mother sent me here to sell flowers as many people from different area came here to observe the day and they buy flowers from us. From the morning I have bagged around 800 taka,” he said. Besides, flower sellers are also waiting to celebrate the day with massive stocks of roses and bouquets for people who are eagerly waiting to celebrate the day with their loved ones. The flower shops at the Shahabag crossing were seen very busy and filled with the traffic of customers.  

The Bangla language has always been at the forefront of our national identity. Amar Ekushey Boi Mela (Book Fair) is a significant part of Bangladesh’s history, culture and literature. Every year, the book fair is held in the month of February. It is the biggest book fair in the country where publishers display and sell printed books under diverse categories. This fair offers great opportunities for the readers to meet their favourite writers, poets, novelists, and publishers face-to-face. Besides serving as a platform to encourage readers to read and buy books, the Boi Mela also works as a monthlong cultural hub – showcasing the diversity of Bangladesh. Let’s look into the history of the Amar Ekushey Boi Mela. CHITTARANJAN SAHA: STARTING BOI MELA FROM A MAT AT BANGLA ACADEMY PREMISES   Chittaranjan Saha was born in the Noakhali district in 1927. His publishing house Punthighar Prokashoni, located at Banglabazar in Dhaka, was burnt down in 1971. Chittaranjan Saha left Dhaka after March 26. He took shelter in Agartala and then moved to Calcutta (Kolkata) during the Liberation War. During the Liberation War, many prominent writers, artists, and journalists from Bangladesh had to stay in Calcutta as refugees. During that period, Chittaranjan arranged a meeting with some of the most prominent litterateurs residing in Calcutta. They decided to write and publish about the injustice and war in Bangladesh (then East Pakistan). Thus, Muktodhara was born. In February, 1972, Chittaranjan Saha laid a mat under the tree in front of the Bangla Academy building and put on display about 32 (33 according to some sources) books as a homage to the Language Movement martyrs of 1952. Though Chittaranjan Saha initiated the Boi Mela from a humble beginning, according to some sources, he was not the first person who started selling books at Bangla Academy premises in February. Ruhul Amin Nizami of Standard Publishers started displaying Russian books. Those books were very popular at that time for their rich content and affordable prices. Read More: Ekushey Book Fair to span entire February again after two years HISTORY BEHIND THE FIRST BOOK FAIR IN BANGLADESH Though Chittaranjan Saha is recognised as the initiator of Ekushey Boi Mela, the root of the book fair goes deeper. The first book fair in then East Pakistan was held in 1965. The initiative was taken by Sardar Jainuddin, who was born in 1918 in Pabna. In 1965, he started displaying some children’s books on the ground floor of the Dhaka University Library. At that time, he was working on a project for UNESCO regarding children’s books. In 1970, Jainuddin organised a book fair in Narayanganj in association with Narayanganj Club. As UNESCO declared 1972 the ‘International Book Year’, in December, Jainuddin took initiative to arrange a book fair inside Bangla Academy. Since then, Bangla Academy got directly involved with book fair events. Read More: Bangabandhu Memorial Museum: Witness to History and Tragedy THE JOURNEY OF EKUSHEY BOI MELA Chittaranjan Saha continued putting books on display and selling them at the Bangla Academy premises for a few more years. In 1976, getting inspired by this idea of selling books, other publishers came together and joined in. Bangla Academy merged with this initiative in 1978. Ashraf Siddiqui was the director general of Bangla Academy at that time, and he had an active role in the association of academy with the book fair. Bangla Academy’s association took Boi Mela to another level. In 1979, a book fair was held at the courtyard of Bangla Academy with the collaboration of ‘Bangladesh Pustok Bikreta O Prokashok Samity’ (founded by Chittaranjan Saha) and the Bangla Academy authority. Read More: Top Sculptures in Dhaka City

The 2022 edition of the traditional Amar Ekushey Book Fair, which usually begins on the very first day of February, will be held from February 15 to February 28, subject to certain conditions regarding the ongoing Omicron situation of the COVID-19 global pandemic. The new date was stated in a letter issued by the Bangla Academy and signed by the secretary of the academy AHM Lokman on Sunday. “Considering the current situation of COVID-19, the government has decided to hold 'Amar Ekushey Book Fair 2022' from 15th February to 28th February 2022 subject to certain conditions. Therefore, all the staff involved in the Book Fair have been requested to take COVID-19 vaccines and booster doses as per the requirement of adults including vaccination,” the letter stated. The letter also stated that the academy has already sent a letter to the Director General of the Directorate General of Health Services to set up a vaccination booth at the academy premises as per the instructions of the Ministry. READ: Boi Mela to be open for 3.5 hours a day due to COVID-19 Earlier on January 16, the Ministry of Cultural Affairs postponed this year's Amar Ekushey Book Fair for two weeks due to the recent surge in COVID-19 cases and deaths across the country. Last year, the traditional month-long fair was also postponed to avoid the spread of coronavirus infections. The fair finally began on March 18 at the Bangla Academy premises and the adjacent venue in the capital's Suhrawardy Udyan. READ: Police promise ‘flawless security’ at Ekushey Boi Mela The fair concluded on April 12, two days before the country went into a hard lockdown from April 14 to curb down the surge of the Delta variant of COVID-19, and the overall fair failed to get its usual momentum with publishers and sellers who suffered a significant amount of losses in their businesses.

The daily operational hours for the ongoing traditional Amar Ekushey Book Fair has been changed due to the recent surge in COVID-19 infection rate across the country and the capital. The new schedule says that the fair will remain open to the book-lovers from 3 pm to 6:30 pm, three and a half hours a day. Also read: Bangladesh reports record number of 5,358 new daily Covid cases; 52 deaths Bangla Academy, organiser of the month-long traditional fiesta, announced this on Wednesday. The notice was announced via a press release signed by Aparesh Kumar Banerjee, director of the public relations department of Bangla Academy, saying, “In consideration to the recent spike in the Coronavirus infection rate, the schedule of Amar Ekushey Book Fair has been changed from 31 March, 2021. The fair will start at 3pm every day and close by 6.30pm, effective from Wednesday.” Also read: Book fair gradually gains momentum Originally, the traditional Amar Ekushey Book Fair followed the time schedule of 3 pm to 9 pm in the month of February, and 11am to 9 am on holiday and weekends.

  The Amar Ekushey Book Fair-2021, the country's beloved Boi Mela - which commenced almost 46 days after its scheduled time due to the Covid pandemic, is yet to draw a large number of book buyers even six days in.   Sales personnel said visitors are roaming across the fairgrounds and browsing titles and showing curiosity about new arrivals but there were very few buyers. Publishers and sales executives said the hot and humid weather with occasional thunderstorms in March-April is unsuitable for book lovers, especially children and the elderly, to visit the fair. Read Books VS Kindle: Which Is Better For You? Dipannita,  sales executive of Tamralipi Publications, said the fair is yet to gain momentum. "Bookworms are not coming that much due to the hot weather,” she said, blamed lack of promotional campaigns behind the low turnout of buyers. Kausar Ahmed, a senior sales executive of the stall, said: "Although we are not selling books as per our expectation, we are still hopeful as people are coming amid the Covid-19 infection surge." Also read: Curtain falls on Ekushey Book Fair Md Robin, a sales executive of Genius Publications, said: “Although today is the sixth day of book fair, we are yet to see the expected number of booklovers. Those who are visiting today are only roaming around the fair premises, not buying books.”